Bolt On Neck Heel

The first series of steps for the neck attachment have been completed.

First I made the Carbon Fiber Sleeve that bonds into the raw Neck Block Pocket. The Carbon Fiber Sleeve adds strength and stability to the neck joint. There is no wood exposed in this area - the Spruce has been entombed by the Carbon Fiber - the idea here is to cancel out any effect humidity may have on swelling or shrinking the neck attachment. Also, the grain of the Maple rim is at a 90 degree angle to the Spruce Neck Block. Unidirectional Carbon Fiber is laminated across the spruce in the same direction as the Maple's grain. So what you have is strength is all direction - LOTS and LOTS of stable strength and a seal against moisture.

I use a single large bolt. I embed the bolt's nut into the Basswood heel and plug it with a hardwood plug. Everything is set in with Epoxy. She ain't coming out!

I had a custom Ball End Allan Key made that has been lengthened to the length of the guitar. I insert it into the tail block access hole, through the guitar and into the deep head bolt at the neck block. The ball end allows for tightening the bolt at an angle.

Many little alignment jigs are used to dill all the holes. Taking one's time to ensure that everything lines up with the guitar's true center is an absolute. Center line alignment is crucial. I am thrilled to say that this mission has been a complete and total success.

Next, I will glue the Basswood Heel to the Maple neck.